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I have been struggling with digestive issues since I entered high school. I am female. My family doctor simply diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome when I was 17. In high school I was usually a healthy weight because I was in many sports and always worked out and maintained muscle mass. Now that I am 22 and am no longer as active, I am severely underweight and can't seem to gain a pound! My BMI is 13! I recently had my gallbladder removed because I lost so much weight and completely lost my appetite. Turns out my gallbladder wasn't working at all and was septic. I had gone to my family doctor before going see a surgeon about my gallbladder, and my family doctor proceeded to tell me he thought I was just depressed and that by putting me on an anti-depressant I should get my appetite back and gain weight. I have tried Lexapro and Prestique... both gave me insomnia and I didn't feel any difference. However, after I got my gallbladder out, I expected to see some weight gain... but I have even lost some weight 6 months after the surgery... even though my appetite is back. I went to see my family doctor again and he AGAIN disregarded all my other situations and suggested that "Before I can get better, I must admit that I have a problem". I admit that I am a college student, and I can become stressed. I am still active, and I do not believe I am losing this weight because I am depressed. I know that I need to gain weight, but I don't know how... and I am also planning a wedding and getting married in April 2012. I would like to put on some muscle mass to look decent for my wedding and not look anorexic! Anyone have any suggestions??? Anyone ever struggled with a similar situation??

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1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Low BMI of 13 ... need help!I have been struggling with digestive issues since I entered high school. I am female. My family doctor simply diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome when I was 17. In high school I was usually a healthy weight because I was in many sports and always worked out and maintained muscle mass. Now that I am 22 and am no longer as active, I am severely underweight and can't seem to gain a pound! My BMI is 13! I recently had my gallbladder removed because I lost so much weight and completely lost my appetite. Turns out my gallbladder wasn't working at all and was septic. I had gone to my family doctor before going see a surgeon about my gallbladder, and my family doctor proceeded to tell me he thought I was just depressed and that by putting me on an anti-depressant I should get my appetite back and gain weight. I have tried Lexapro and Prestique... both gave me insomnia and I didn't feel any difference. However, after I got my gallbladder out, I expected to see some weight gain... but I have even lost some weight 6 months after the surgery... even though my appetite is back. I went to see my family doctor again and he AGAIN disregarded all my other situations and suggested that "Before I can get better, I must admit that I have a problem". I admit that I am a college student, and I can become stressed. I am still active, and I do not believe I am losing this weight because I am depressed. I know that I need to gain weight, but I don't know how... and I am also planning a wedding and getting married in April 2012. I would like to put on some muscle mass to look decent for my wedding and not look anorexic! Anyone have any suggestions??? Anyone ever struggled with a similar situation??

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